1 [[!meta title="TeleLaunch"]]
3 # TeleLaunch — Multi-channel Wireless Launch Controller System #
5 TeleLaunch is a secure radio-controlled rocket launch system capable of
6 operating up to 792 pads from a single controler. A typical TeleLaunch
7 system consists of one TeleLCO unit and one or more TeleFire units.
9 TeleLaunch uses a two-way digital radio communications system for
10 positive indication of all operations. The communications link is
11 secured with AES CBC-MAC to prevent accidental or intentional
12 operation from unauthorized transmitters.
14 TeleLaunch operates in the 70cm amateur band at low power using
15 Altus Metrum's proven modulation and coding schem to avoid interference
16 with any rocketry electronics or other communication devices.
18 All boards in the TeleLaunch system are easily configured using USB for
19 parameters like operating frequency, callsign, cryptographic key, and
20 in the case of pyro units the designated bank number.
22 ## Launch Control Products ##
24 All TeleLCO devices in the TeleLaunch system are designed to use
25 a lithium polymer battery that can be recharged over USB. They support
26 distinct arm and fire switches, continuous indication of igniter
27 continuity, and have super-bright LED indicators for remote arming,
28 continuity, and RF link quality plus an audible indication of arming.
32 <a href="telelco-v2.0/lco-open.png"> <img src="telelco-v2.0/lco-open-small.png"></a>
34 TeleLCO controls up to 99 TeleFire banks, comes packaged in a rugged
35 case, and is typically placed on a table for use by the designated LCO.
37 * Large 1.36 inch LCD display for selected bank and pad
39 * Rotary knob for pad selection
41 * Packaged in [Pelican 1170 orange box](https://www.pelican.com/us/en/product/cases/protector/1170)
43 Drag races are supported with a separate normal/drag mode selection switch,
44 drag mode LED, and select pushbutton. Channels that are included in the
45 current drag race selection have blinking continuity indicators.
47 The TeleLCO hardware design is available from
48 [git.gag.com](http://git.gag.com) in the project
49 [hw/telelco](http://git.gag.com/?p=hw/telelco;a=summary).
53 Each TeleFire box in the TeleLaunch system uses FET technology for lowest
54 possible resistance paths, allowing maximum current to be reliably
55 delivered from the power source to the igniter leads. TeleFire boards can
56 be powered by any 10-15V supply, typically a 12V sealed lead acid
61 * Continuity Detection. Igniter continuity uses a low-current sensing
62 system which sends only 100µA through the igniter to prevent false
65 * Super-bright LEDs for continuity, arming and RF quality indicators.
67 * Strobe and Siren. TeleFire boards have has two 12V medium current (5A)
68 outputs to drive a siren and strobe light when the launch system is armed
71 * Local arming switch. When in the safe position, power is completely
72 disconnected from the igniter circuits to prevent any possibility
73 of the LCO accidentally engaging firing circuits during rocket
74 preparations at the pad.
78 <a href="telefireeight-v2/tf8-overview.png"> <img src="telefireeight-v2/tf8-overview-small.png"></a>
80 TeleFireEight has eight igniter circuits, making it ideal for use at
81 club launches. Larger clubs or launch site setups can use multiple
82 boards to organize the site into multiple banks with up to 8 rockets
85 For ease of use and quick reconfiguration, a simple DIP switch on the board
86 inside the ammo box is used to select any of the first 8 banks, which is more
87 than sufficient for most club needs. If all switches are off, the bank
88 number up to 99 configured over USB will be used instead.
90 The above photo shows a fully packaged early production version, with integral
91 12 Ah sealed lead acid battery. There are another four pyro outlets on the
92 other side of the box, making the design ideal for placing in the middle of
95 The TeleFireEight hardware design is available from
96 [git.gag.com](http://git.gag.com) in the project
97 [hw/telefireeight](http://git.gag.com/?p=hw/telefireeight;a=summary).
101 There's a cheat-sheat inside the lid of TeleLCO that has proven to be
102 completely sufficient for our prototype users to figure out and use the
105 A complete manual for the TeleLaunch system is available in
106 [html](../AltOS/doc/telelaunch.html) and [pdf](../AltOS/doc/telelaunch.pdf)
111 TeleLaunch firmware is part of the larger [AltOS](/AltOS) suite of
112 software. For now, configuration of frequencies, callsigns, and crypto
113 keys requires a laptop with terminal emulator and a USB cable, but we are
114 likely to produce an easier to use configuration program eventually.
118 TeleLCO and TeleFireEight are now in production, and available for purchase
119 directly through the [Garbee and Garbee](https://shop.gag.com/telelaunch.html)
124 TeleLaunch hardware is licensed under the [TAPR](http://www.tapr.org)
125 [Open Hardware License](http://www.tapr.org/ohl.html)
127 TeleLaunch software is licensed
128 [GPL version 2](http://www.gnu.org/licenses/old-licenses/gpl-2.0.html)
130 ## [Future Products](futures.html)